4 Ways to Enjoy the Maldives
Whether you’re looking for adventure, a romantic escape or a solo retreat, find yourself in the perfect surroundings in the Maldives. For any traveller and holiday-maker, the Maldives is that island paradise on the upper rungs of the best travel destinations to visit.
Essentially an archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the ideal holiday destination that can keep you entertained in a few ways.
1. Explore the Marine Life
Boasting some of the best underwater visibility (up to 20 metres), warmest water temperatures (26°C – 30°C) and a large variety of marine life, the Maldives are a great diving destination for beginners and experts alike.
When to go:
January to April offers excellent visibility and calmer waters, just before the rainy season picks up. The ocean currents during this period also attract a cornucopia of marine life.
What to do:
Beginners can learn to dive; experts can explore the abundant marine life and coral species (whale sharks, manta rays and even hammerhead sharks can be spotted); and photography enthusiasts can take advantage of the excellent visibility for underwater photographs.
Where to stay:
If you’re a novice, Kurumba Maldives offers diving courses with PADI-certified instructors. Travelling with kids? The hotel also has a Bubble Maker programme that provides a diving experience for the young ones in its lagoon or house reef.
2. Splash Out on a Romantic Getaway
The picturesque islands are the ideal backdrop for a romantic proposal, wedding or honeymoon destination. The waters of the Maldives are the rich blue often seen in postcards of idyllic beaches. Plenty of accommodation in the Maldives are designed with romance and escapism in mind. There are huts set on stilts in the water, with glass floors allowing you to watch the fish from the comforts of your luxurious room. Maldives resorts not only offer the perfect romantic setting, but a sense of fantasy and lots of privacy as well.
One & Only Reethi Rah
When to go:
December to March, when the weather is at its sunniest. This is also peak tourist season, but that won’t matter when you’re cocooned in a secluded resort, away from prying eyes.
What to do:
For the ultimate romantic getaway, the best thing to do is to book yourself an all-inclusive resort from which you can frolic on a private beach, have access to well-prepared local cuisine or relax with a couple’s massage.
Where to stay:
Go all out and book a stay at the One & Only Reethi Rah. It’s luxurious, private and has everything you’re dreaming of – impeccable design, an award-winning spa, spacious villas, top-notch dining options and breathtaking sea views. Decide whether to take your cocktails over dinner, in the beach club or on the beach – the choice is yours.
3. Catch a Break
The surf breaks here come with crystal clear turquoise waters – you can even leave the wetsuits behind with water this warm.
When to go:
There are three major surf zones in the Maldives – the Male Atolls, the Central Atolls and the Outer Atolls. Generally, May to October is when you’ll find the biggest breaks, but it’s recommended you do some research into the best months to visit, depending on your chosen surf site.
What to do:
Surf! Experience the more popular Maldives breaks – Lohis, Jailbreaks and Ninjas, just to name a few. Or opt for more secluded ones to avoid the crowds (just remember you need to bring your own board for these). Either way, there’s lots of surfing to be done.
Where to stay:
Several resorts offer on-site surfing and private beachfronts. Otherwise, pick a resort closest to your preferred break. Club Med Kani, for example, offers surfing excursions to nearby spots.
Another option is to book a live-in charter, where you’ll stay on a charter boat that takes you directly to your favourite surf sites.
4. Chill Out and Pamper Yourself
Grab your girlfriends, or go solo – unspoilt beauty and indulgent retreats in the Maldives are calling.
When to go:
Anytime. But avoid the rainy season during April to October if you want to soak up the sun.
What to do:
Absolutely nothing. Just spoil yourself silly with delicious Maldivian food, lounging by the pool and luxuriating in a spa.
Other relaxing activities include yoga by the beach, island picnics, sunset cocktails, cruising and champagne breakfasts and brunches.
Where to stay:
Pick a Maldives resort that offers the best of luxurious pampering and holistic wellness for a thoroughly rejuvenating experience.
At Velassaru Maldives, enjoy a Lagoon Coral Scrub or Vinotherapie Body Wrap in treatment pavilions over the water that look out onto the Maldivian seascape. Bliss!
Bonus Tip: Food in the Maldives
The majority of Maldivians are Sunni Muslims, who generally do not consume alcohol or eat pork, so bringing these items into the country is not allowed. However, alcohol and pork are usually available for consumption on the tourist islands.
Local Maldives food and popular dishes feature lots of fish and rice, with Sri Lankan-inspired tastes. Imported food is rare (and expensive).
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[tab title=”Best Time to Visit” icon=”entypo-light-up”]The Maldives has a tropical climate with a year-round temperature of about 30°C. Note that the southwest monsoon does contribute to an increase in rainfall from April to October, so time your visit accordingly.[/tab]
[tab title=”Where to Stay” icon=”entypo-suitcase”]Island resorts vary from top-notch luxury to budget, or are specialised to suit different activities, such as surfing or diving resorts. Check out all the available deals [/tab]
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Singapore to the Maldives:
Singapore Airlines and Tigerair offer direct flights to the Male International Airport. From there, seaplanes or ferries are the preferred mode of transport for getting to nearby islands. [/tab]
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Maldives Visa Requirements for Singaporean citizens:
The Maldives offers a free 30-day visa upon arrival for all visitors, provided the following requirements are met by each traveller: [/tab]
- Possess a passport/travel document that is valid for the duration of the stay
- Have a valid ticket to continue the journey out of Maldives
- Have enough funds to cover the expenses for duration of the stay in Maldives. (US$100 + US$50 per day) or a confirmation of reservation in a Tourist Resort or a Hotel
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